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NEA reacts to Trump’s plan to roll back protections of transgender students

NEA reacts to Trump’s plan to roll back protections of transgender students

Educators urge others also to double-down on protecting rights of our LGBTQ students

WASHINGTON - February 22, 2017 - The Trump administration is planning to release a new plan to rescind federal guidance to protect transgender students from discrimination. The National Education Association, the nation’s largest labor union, reiterated its pledge to double-down on protecting the civil rights of our LGBTQ students and members.

Withdrawing the guidance does not change the law. As most courts have held, Title IX protects transgender students, and only courts, and ultimately the Supreme Court, can change that. Schools have a legal and a moral duty to support all students, including transgender students. In fact, states, school districts, and schools nationwide are supporting and affirming transgender students, and we believe they will continue to do so with or without guidance from the Trump administration.

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Lily Eskelsen García:
“Every student matters, and every student has the right to feel safe, welcomed, and valued in our public schools. This is our legal, ethical and moral obligation. The Trump administration’s plans to reverse protections for transgender students by rescinding the Title IX guidance, is dangerous, ill-advised, and unnecessary.

“We reject this discriminatory plan because it is a drastic departure from our core values. We don’t teach hate, we do not tell people how to pray, and we do not discriminate against people based on their religion, gender, or identity. Period.

“As the Trump administration threatens our students and our values, we will double-down on our efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens, including our LGBTQ students and members. We urge more states, school districts, and schools to adopt protections for transgender students. We owe to our students because they need to see us take a bold stand against discrimination whatever form it takes.”

Related

NEARI reacts to federal rollback of transgender guidance for public schools

February 23, 2017 - National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) President Larry Purtill today released the following statement with regard to President Trump’s revocation of guidance for public schools allowing transgender students to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity put in place by former President Obama:

“We’ve been told since the election that the LGBTQ community had nothing to worry about with a President Trump. Yet at his first opportunity he chooses to attack LGBTQ youth. It’s offensive and disgraceful.

It is important to note that Rhode Island state law bans discrimination with regard to public accommodations – including public schools – based on gender identity or expression. Transgender students are today and should always be protected and NEARI will aggressively fight any efforts to roll back policies that keep all children safe from intimidation and harm.

Rescinding federal guidance does not undo legal protections for transgender students. Transgender students are protected by the Constitution and Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex. This includes when using restrooms and other school facilities.

We will do everything possible to protect, welcome and embrace our transgender students. Every, and I mean every, student deserves that and I will be asking RIDE to take this opportunity to recommit to the existing state law and guidance already in place.

We will not turn our backs on these students. In fact, we’ve got their backs! Politics among adults is one thing, but not protecting every student is outrageous and will not be tolerated.

All students yearn to feel comfortable in their skin and find their place in this world. This holds especially true for LGBTQ youth. It’s easy sometimes when using acronyms to really remember their meaning. The “T” stands for transgender and today and every day we will stand with our transgender students.”

If educators, administrators, parents and students see any act of discrimination or witness bullying or threatening behavior, please report it immediately to your local officials, NEARI (401-463-9630) or GLBTQ Advocates and Defenders (GLAD: 617-426-1350).

NEA President reacts to Betsy DeVos nomination for Education Secretary

WASHINGTON - On November 23, 2016, the Trump administration announced its plan to nominate Betsy DeVos, best known for her anti-public education campaigns, for the position of Secretary of Education. The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Lily Eskelsen García:

“Every day, educators use their voice to advocate for every student to reach his or her full potential. We believe that the chance for the success of a child should not depend on winning a charter lottery, being accepted by a private school, or living in the right ZIP code. We have, and will continue, to fight for all students to have a great public school in their community and the opportunity to succeed no matter their backgrounds or circumstances.

“Betsy DeVos has consistently worked against these values, and her efforts over the years have done more to undermine public education than support students. She has lobbied for failed schemes, like vouchers — which take away funding and local control from our public schools — to fund private schools at taxpayers’ expense. These schemes do nothing to help our most-vulnerable students while they ignore or exacerbate glaring opportunity gaps. She has consistently pushed a corporate agenda to privatize, de-professionalize and impose cookie-cutter solutions to public education. By nominating Betsy DeVos, the Trump administration has demonstrated just how out of touch it is with what works best for students, parents, educators and communities.

“The National Education Association advocates for investing in smart strategies that we know help to improve the success of all our students, including creating more opportunities and equity for students, classes small enough for one-on-one attention, modern textbooks and a well-rounded curriculum for every student. We also know that the voices of educators — those who know the names of the students they educate — should always be present at the table when making decisions that impact student success. Educators will continue to focus on raising their voices in support of their students and against any effort by the Trump administration to undermine the educational opportunity of all public school students.”

CCRIFA president reacts to announced 2018 January Session (J-Term)

October 13, 2017 - As we welcome a greater number of students due to Rhode Island Promise, our focus should remain on quality education for all CCRI students. A "J-Term" for a few hundred students shifts that focus. Management never sought the professional recommendations or advice from faculty and staff. Instituting a "J-Term" with zero input from the very professionals who are educating CCRI’s students disregards the importance of communication and planning.

Every CCRI student enrolls believing their individual pursuit of a postsecondary education is a priority to the college. Faculty members, education support professionals, and staff work every day to ensure students are prepared with the skills and training necessary for well-paying employment. Communication among administration, faculty and staff is a crucial component to student success.

If President Hughes was graded on her commitment to involving stakeholders in the process, she would receive a failing grade.

NEARI president reacts to commissioner's legislation

“We are appreciative of Governor Raimondo and Commissioner Wagner’s efforts to engage in thoughtful and productive conversations with classroom educators. The difference in approach and tenor between Dr. Wagner and his immediate predecessor is significant, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue with him and members of the administration in the months ahead.

While we share many of the commissioner’s goals and recognize the intent behind the legislation he outlined this evening, we remain concerned about language that might weaken or undermine the collective bargaining rights of education professionals.

NEARI is proud to represent some of the best educators in the country – including the last three Rhode Island Teachers of the Year. Our members go to great lengths to provide their students with a world-class education because we know they deserve nothing less. Now that the administration has formalized its proposals, we will respectfully participate in the legislative process and provide meaningful input for the General Assembly to consider.”

NEARI Reacts to passage of "contract continuation" bill

“We applaud the members of the General Assembly who recognized continuation of a collective bargaining agreement for what it is: fundamental fairness. Passage of this bill levels the playing field for teachers, education support professionals, and municipal workers who do not have the benefit of binding arbitration in resolving contractual disputes,” said NEARI President Larry Purtill. “This legislation ensures equity and allows for school and municipal operations to go on uninterrupted and continue until new contracts are reached -- which is in the best interest of students and families."

NEARI Reacts to Governor Veto on "Continuing Contract"

(July 19, 2017) “We are disappointed that Governor Raimondo turned her back on classroom educators and Rhode Island public employees who were seeking respect and fundamental fairness in the bargaining process,” said NEARI President Larry Purtill. “It is no surprise that a politician who made her bones on Wall Street is incapable of understanding the needs of working Rhode Islanders. Clearly, ‘Gina from Smithfield’ has lost her way. We respectfully urge the Assembly to override this thoughtless veto.”